Prealbumin

General

Synonym/Acronym:
Transthyretin.

Rationale
To assess nutritional status, monitor total parenteral nutrition, and evaluate liver function toward diagnosis and management of disorders such as malnutrition and chronic kidney disease.

Patient Preparation
There are no fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. The patient may be instructed to fast prior to the test; protocols vary among facilities.

Normal Findings
Method: Immunoturbidometry.

AgeConventional UnitsSI Units (Conventional Units × 10)
Newborn–1 mo7–39 mg/dL70–390 mg/L
1–6 mo8–34 mg/dL80–340 mg/L
6 mo–4 yr11–23 mg/dL110–230 mg/L
5–15 yr14–35 mg/dL140–350 mg/L
16–17 yr20–43 mg/dL20–43 mg/L
Adult/older adult20–42 mg/dL200–420 mg/L

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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